Flow Clean Gutter Strainer System

ABSTRACT

The Flow Clean Gutter Strainer System allows an eaves mounted gutter system to eject any debris that would otherwise block the function of a downspout and cause the gutter system to fail. When the strainer is clean, rainwater will flow through the strainer and down the downspout. When debris is present in the gutter, rainwater will carry the debris toward the strainer. Debris will accumulate on the strainer as long as there is an adequate flow velocity passing through the strainer and down the downspout. Once the strainer becomes clogged with debris, the flow pattern changes to carry the debris away and eject it through the debris ejection flow path. After the strainer cleans itself, rainwater once again flows unobstructed down the downspout. Additionally, the system allows for site adaptations that take into consideration prevailing wind direction, erosion, appearance, desired debris pile, and other factors.

The invention is a self-cleaning gutter strainer system that will eject debris from the gutters mounted on the eaves of residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial buildings.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to the building design and construction industries as they provide for proper collection and drainage of rainwater by the use of an eave mounted gutter system.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Rainwater must be collected and drained away from foundations to minimize erosion and current or subsequent damage to building structural components and foundations. Eave mounted gutter systems are often used for the collection of rainwater as it flows off the lower edges of roof systems.

A common problem with the gutters is clogging from organic debris such as leaves, seeds, twigs, dead birds, etc., and to a lesser extent from inorganic debris such as asphalt roof granules and children's toys. Many gutter protection products are available to prevent debris from entering gutters and many complaints abound about how much they cost and how well they work (or don't work). Basically, all gutter protection products require some cleaning and maintenance at one point or another.

This invention will work well to improve the operation of gutters whether or not they are protected by any other gutter protection system. It will extend the period of time between any required cleaning intervals. It is self-cleaning and thereby greatly facilitates any cleaning that may still be required.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sketch showing rainwater flow down a downspout protected by a strainer mounted horizontally in the bottom of the gutter at a location directly above the downspout.

FIG. 2 is a sketch showing rainwater flow across a strainer and toward one end of a representative gutter section. The point where the rainwater begins to leave the gutter is described as where the debris ejection will begin. 

1. A self-cleaning gutter system that allows the user to choose where to eject debris and where to accumulate debris in combination with a self-cleaning strainer.
 2. A self-cleaning gutter system of claim one wherein the ejection location is recommended to begin, but not limited to be, at the end of a gutter section between one foot and five feet from the top of the nearest downspout.
 3. A self-cleaning gutter system of claim one wherein the ejection location is recommended to end, but not limited to be, at a suitable debris pile location.
 4. A self-cleaning gutter system of claim one wherein the debris ejection location can be modified in form and function and still be within the scope of this invention. For example, the ejection location can be initially installed at one location and then re-located further from the downspout and at an angle from the downspout. Further, the ejection location can follow a path down a trough supported by an ancillary structure such as an arbor or arch or half arch.
 5. A self-cleaning gutter system of claim one wherein a downspout is protected by a flow-clean strainer mounted horizontally in the bottom of the gutter at a location directly above a downspout.
 6. A self-cleaning gutter system of claim one wherein a debris ejection flow path may or may not have a slight upward slope to induce the flow of rainwater towards a downspout and yet be open to allow the reverse flow of rainwater when the strainer is clogged or partially clogged.
 7. A self-cleaning gutter system of claim one that can accommodate most common strainer designs and gutter designs while still providing the unique functions of the invention. Therefore, most manufacturers of gutter products can produce the invention.
 8. A self-cleaning gutter system of claim one that is inherently easier to clean than other gutter protection systems since there is no cover to remove, no cover to repair or replace, no hinges, no mounting clips, and no moving parts. 